Image: MomJunction Design Team
As a nurse, you are susceptible to skin problems due to constant exposure to soaps, medicines, alcohol, and sanitizers and as yoy constantly wear gloves that minimize ventilation to the hands. One of the best solutions is to invest in the best hand lotions for nurses to avoid dryness. These lotions can help prevent your hands from getting rough and safeguard them from skin problems such as eczema, cracks, and psoriasis. Nourishing lotions can also help hydrate, moisturize, and soothe the skin. Below, we have listed some hydrating hand lotions for nurses that you may consider buying.
Top Picks
13 Best Hand Lotions For Nurses
1. Best For Dry & Rough Skin: Burt’s Bees Gift Set, three Hand Repair Moisturizing Products
The Burt’s Bees gift set includes three hand moisturizing creams along with a pair of gloves. It includes lemon butter cuticle cream, almond and milk cream, and shea butter cream. The creams are formulated with the goodness of vitamin E, aloe vera, and other botanical oils. The results-driven cuticle cream mends rough and torn cuticles, moisturizes the nails, and soothes the hands, giving them a smooth, soft texture. The two hand creams, on the other hand, provide nourishment with their ultra-rich formula and repair dry, rough winter skin.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Natural ingredients
- Paraben-, petrolatum-, and SLS-free
- Lotion kit comes in a giftable pouch
Cons
- Gloves may be flimsy
- Items may be smaller than you expect
Did you know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 40,772 good reviews on Amazon.
2.Best For Cracked Skin: O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands hand cream is ideal for dry, cracked skin. It is a concentrated formula that repairs cracks and moisturizes dry skin. The cream creates a protective barrier on the skin and prevents moisture loss. It provides instant hydration, thus making the skin soft. Watch this video showcasing the reviewer’s experience to get more details about the product.
Pros
- Does not contain any odor
- Non-greasy formula
- Suitable for use in winter
- Suitable for daily use
Cons
- May have a slightly sticky texture
- May leave a residue
"In addition to keeping my hands moisturized, this cream has healed minor cuts and bruises. Although it takes some time to fully absorb, it leaves no greasy residue behind. Plus, I appreciate that only a pea-sized amount is needed to keep my hands hydrated."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 21,632 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
3. Best For Sensitive Skin:Gold Bond Ultimate Intensive Healing Hand Cream
Gold Bond’s Ultimate Intensive hand cream helps moisturize dry, damaged hands. It is formulated with soothing aloe vera and seven intensive moisturizers to keep dry hands deeply moisturized for 24 hours. Further, it includes vitamin C to protect the skin, vitamin E to minimize moisture loss, and vitamin A to improve the skin’s texture. The thick creamy texture does not wash off with hand washing, and the cream is dermatologically tested and an appropriate hand lotion for sensitive skin. Check out this video review to learn more about this lotion.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic ingredients
- Absorbs quickly into the skin
- Free of fragrance
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Tube may be tiny
- May be slightly sticky
"Every time I apply this cream, it leaves an instant nourishing touch. My hands have become softer and smoother. Its hydrating formula has been especially great during harsh winters. Plus, it's residue-free, so it is certainly worth cherishing."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 17,594 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
Burt’s Bees Gift Set three Hand Repair Moisturizing Products Best For Dry & Rough Skin | O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream Best For Cracked Skin | Gold Bond Ultimate Intensive Healing Hand Cream Best For Sensitive Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.54 x 3.54 x 8.27 inches | 3.18 x 3.18 x 2 inches | 1.44 x 1.44 x 5.13 inches |
| Weight | 1.29 Pounds | 7.84 Ounces | 3 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 40,772 | 21,632 | 17,594 |
| Price | $14.93 | $14.99 | $3.99 |
4. Best Non-Greasy:Gloves In A Bottle Shielding Lotion
For those with dry skin, Gloves In A Bottle Shielding lotion is the perfect solution. Known for its proven efficacy, it nourishes the skin damaged by weather and cleansing irritants and alleviates symptoms of eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis by strengthening the outer layer of the skin.Further, the lotion creates a protective layer on the skin and is non-greasy. Check out this product review video to learn more about this quick absorbing and non-greasy hand cream.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Works well with cracked skin
- Does not wash off upon usage
- Long-lasting hydration
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
"I've been using this cream for weeks, and it's been a relief for my dry hands. It's neither thick nor has any sticky residue. Reapplication is required, but it's worth the improvement it has brought to my skin texture."
Quick fact5. Best Cruelty-Free:J.R. Watkins Natural Moisturizing Hand Cream
The hydrating hand cream from J.R. Watkins is enriched with natural moisturizing ingredients, including shea butter, glycerine, cocoa butter, and avocado oil. It is specially formulated to nourish and moisturize damaged skin back to health and is ideal for cracked, dry, aging, and sensitive skin. This revitalizing hand cream is cruelty-free and does not contain harmful chemicals.
Pros
- Available in four scents
- Rich in jojoba oil and shea butter
- Suitable for overnight use
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and dyes
Cons
- May not have a safety seal
- May have a waxy consistency
"I am impressed by this cream's deep healing and moisturizing qualities. Its effect on the cracks and splits I had due to excessive handwashing is noteworthy. It keeps my hands soft and hydrated without any greasiness—a worthy choice for everyday use."
6. Best Fragrance-Free:Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
Eucerin Advanced Repair hand cream comes in a pack of three and is the ideal choice for nurses as it is specially formulated for dry skin. The fragrance-free lotion contains ceramide-3, shea butter, and natural moisturizers. The fast-absorbing hand cream is non-greasy and keeps the skin hydrated and smooth. It also repairs the damages from inside and turns dry, rough skin to soft and supple, providing visible results. Besides, this repairing hand lotion is free of parabens and dyes.
Pros
- Exfoliates skin gently
- Free of artificial fragrance
- Rich in amino acids that help prevent dryness
- Comes in a pack of three
Cons
- May be slightly greasy
"This hand cream keeps my hands well-moisturized and soft, especially during nursing rounds. Though it's a tad heavy and takes time to absorb, once it does, I feel no greasiness at all. I'm pleased with its effectiveness."
7. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream
The steroid-free skin relief hand cream from Aveeno, a dermatologist-recommended brand, provides intense moisturization to dry skin. Enriched with emollients and soothing oatmeal, this hand cream offers 24-hour hydration to damaged and cracked hands by creating a protective layer on the skin and keeping away irritants. The moisturizing hand lotion for dry skin lasts through several handwashes and restores the skin’s natural pH balance. Besides, it is gentle, fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and fragrance-free.
Pros
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Recommended by dermatologists
- Paraben- and dye-free
- Rich in skin protectants
Cons
- Tube may be smaller than you expect
- May have a thin consistency
"I got cream on my dermatologist's recommendation and saw an instant improvement in my skin’s texture from the first use. There have been occasional pilling issues, but on the whole, it gets absorbed quickly and keeps my skin moisturized even during harsh winters."
8. Best For Itchy Skin:Curél Daily Healing Dry Skin Lotion
Curél’s Daily Healing hand and body moisturizer comes in a travel-size pack and is ideal for soothing dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Infused with advanced ceramide complexes, it rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin for 24 hours. The vitamins and essential oils, such as sunflower oil and lavender oil, give the skin a soothing effect and prevent inflammation. Moreover, the pump on this bottle of lotion allows easy usage.
Pros
- Rich in advance ceramide complex
- Liquid lotion absorbs quickly
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Suitable for any skin texture
- Quick-absorbing formula
Cons
- May not be vegan-friendly
- May be slightly greasy
"This moisturizer is my favorite during winter. It quickly absorbs into the skin, and I love its pleasant scent. Plus, it's convenient to carry for on-the-go self-care. Overall, it's a great product!"
9. Best pH-Balancing:CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
CeraVe therapeutic hand cream is a dermatologist-recommended formulation ideal for cracked, dry skin. This cream, known for its proven efficacy, contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which protect chafed and chapped hands caused by frequent handwashing. It also includes dimethicone and ceramide, which restore the skin’s natural barrier. The active ingredients also help retain natural moisture levels and maintain the skin’s pH balance while calming skin irritation. Further, the formulation of this hand lotion for cracked skin is non-greasy and fast-absorbing.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Soap- and paraben-free
- Approved by National Eczema Association
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
"This hand cream has become a part of my daily care routine. It's not a deep moisturizer, but it subtly protects my skin through frequent washes, keeping it soft and supple all day. Also, it is not sticky—a plus for doing my everyday tasks comfortably."
10. Best Moisturizing:Diva Stuff Raspberry Lime Hand Cream
Revitalize your skin with the Raspberry lime hand cream by Diva Stuff. It is infused with cocoa and shea butter to soothe your skin and keep it hydrated. This hand cream nourishes your skin as you massage it in a circular motion. You may also use this hand cream to heal dry cuticles and mild abrasions. Additionally, the fresh coconut breeze scent makes the cream aromatic, lifting your mood. This hand cream shields your skin and lasts through hand washing.
Pros
- Leaves no greasy residue
- Encourages quick absorption
- Free of paraben, aluminum, and other harsh chemicals
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May contain alcohol
- May have a slightly thick consistency
"I found this formula pretty hydrating; it offers intense nourishment to my dry hands. Although I do not prefer the fragrance, it doesn't last for long. All in all, I'm happy with the results."
Quick fact11. Best Fast-Absorbing:La Chatelaine Hand Cream
The La Chatelaine hand cream is a set of three ultra-rich hand creams that nourish and moisturize the hands. Vitamin E, organic shea butter, and argan oil protect the skin’s moisture barrier and keep the hands hydrated. These ingredients also contain benefitting natural botanicals, including orange blossom, gardenia, passion fruit, rose acacia, and cherry almond, which nourish and hydrate the skin. The hand cream absorbs fast and makes the hands soft and smooth.
Pros
- Offers intense repair
- Paraben-, phthalate-, BPA-, and DEA-free
- Suitable for everyday use
- Suitable for gifting for any occasion
Cons
- Some may find the scent intense
- May be slightly oily
"I got this hand lotion set as a gift, and now, it has become a staple for on-the-go nourishment. My hands feel hydrated and smooth upon every application. However, the delightful scent is the highlight. It doesn't overpower my senses, offering a refreshing feel."
12. Best Hypoallergenic:Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Moisturizing Hand Cream
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula is a moisturizing hand cream infused with the hydrating properties of glycerin. The formula hydrates dry, rough skin, offers effective relief from irritations and tears with its fast-absorbing properties, and leaves the skin feeling velvety soft. The 200oz tube offers about 200 applications, and this is a pack of six tubes. Furthermore, the formula is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free.
Pros
- Suitable for overnight use
- Soothes skin in harsh conditions
- Recommended by dermatologists
- Approved by National Eczema Association
Cons
- May have a thick consistency
- May not be fast-absorbing
"The highlight of this cream is its fragrance-free formulation, which is a boon for my sensitive skin. While the tube may not be the most user-friendly, the cream's effectiveness keeps me hooked. Plus, I even like using it on my foot as an overnight treatment."
13. Best Antioxidant-Rich:Glysomed Hand Cream Combo
Glysomed pack-of-three hand cream contains two large tubes and one purse-sized tube. It is a professional-grade silicone-based cream that locks in moisture with an invisible layer of moisturizing protection, thus making it ideal for people whose nature of work calls for frequent washing of hands. The formula contains chamomile, which soothes the skin, and glycerine, which hydrates the skin. The cream’s antioxidant properties protect the skin from external elements.
Pros
- Comes in travel-friendly tubes
- Softens rough skin
- Suitable for dry skin
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May leave an oily layer on the skin
- Some may not like the scent
"This cream makes my skin feel silky smooth regardless of the number of times I wash my hands. Its scent may be overpowering for some, but I love the sweet fragrance as it keeps me refreshed throughout the day."
How To Choose The Right Hand Lotion For Nurses?
Nurses can benefit from the use of hand lotion due to the nature of their work, which makes them susceptible to dry skin. Consider these factors to choose the right lotion.
- Texture: The texture of the cream or lotion should be non-greasy and lightweight. They should offer long-lasting hydration and preferably withstand several handwashes.
- Hydrators: The cream must contain natural humectants to lock in moisture and hydrate the layers of the skin. Glycerin is a natural hydrator.
- Botanicals: Natural botanical ingredients are excellent emollients. Ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, almond extracts, and aloe vera heal dry skin and make the hands supple and soft.
- Natural oils: Natural oils such as almond oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil provide intense moisturization to the skin and create a protective shield to keep the moisture sealed in. This nourishes the skin from within.
- Chemical-free: Opt for an organic hand cream or one devoid of parabens, dyes, phthalates, and other harsh chemicals and ones that are tested for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are hand lotions safe?
Hand lotions free of parabens, SLS, SLES, phthalates, dyes, and other toxic chemicals are more skin-friendly.
2. Do nurses need hand lotion?
Since healthcare professionals come in contact with harsh chemicals and need to wash their hands frequently, using hand lotions immediately after every wash can prevent the skin from becoming rough and dry(1).
3. When is the best time to apply hand lotions?
Applying the hand lotion within two minutes of washing your hands is best. The idea is to use it before the water evaporates to lock-in as much moisture as possible and keep dryness and roughness at bay.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is an ardent writer and loves to review different clothing, fashion, and skincare products. After researching multiple products on different websites and other portals and analyzing multiple reviewers’ experiences, she has listed the best hand lotion for nurses so your hands are moisturized and hydrated all day. She also added a buying guide to help you pick the right lotion based on your preferences and requirements.
The Bottom Line
The best hand lotions for nurses are formulated to prevent dryness, reduce the chances of skin conditions such as cracks and eczema, and keep your hands soft and healthy. When picking one, ensure it is made of natural ingredients, such as natural oils, shea butter, and aloe vera, that moisturize dehydrated skin. It should also be quick-absorbing and non-greasy. Further, choose a dermatologically-tested hand lotion that does not contain harsh chemicals and strong fragrances. The O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream, which is non-greasy and odorless, is a good choice if you have dry, cracked skin. We would also recommend the dermatologist-recommended and hypoallergenic Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Moisturizing Hand Cream and the Glysomed Hand Cream Combo infused with antioxidants to seal in moisture.
Infographics: How Do Hand Lotions Help Nurses?
Using hand lotions is one of the best ways to protect your hands from skin issues caused by gloves and frequent hand washing. Check out the following infographic to learn more about how hand lotions can ‘save your skin’ if you are a nurse or healthcare professional. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Regular Use Of A Hand Cream Can Attenuate Skin Dryness And Roughness Caused By Frequent Hand Washing:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1397860/ - Eczema Types: Atopic Dermatitis: Tips For Coping
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/atopic-dermatitis-coping - The uses and properties of almond oil
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20129403/#:~:text=Further%2C%20it%20is%20through%20anecdotalimprove%20complexion%20and%20skin%20tone.
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